Overview
Adopting an aggressive stance in the crowded consumer motorcycle market, Bajaj introduced another surprise with the announcement of a brand new Pulsar model – the Pulsar 220F DTS-i. Billed as ‘the Fastest Indian’, it looks as though Bajaj are looking to capture drivers’ imaginations with high-spec technology and blistering performance. Let’s take a closer look at this exciting new offering from the tried-and-trusted manufacturer.
Design & Style
The Pulsar 220F aims to live up to its bold and aggressive stance in terms of design. The all-black theme dominates its body, including swing-arms, suspension, wheels and engine. The original Pulsar 220 was Bajaj’s first bike to feature a front fairing and the bold styling of an athletic sports bike, and this new update maintains this edgy aesthetic. The brake calipers now feature a classy gold-plating finish. The Pulsar now features very stylish looking LED taillights. Its new split seat features a split grab rail for the pillion rider.
Instrument Console
In keeping with the other revamped models released in its new generation of bikes, Bajaj have upgraded the 220F’s instrument console. Its all-digital panel features clear, bright digital displays for its speedometer, neutral blinker, trip meter, tachometer, low battery measure and fuel gauge. The enlarged tachometer is the dominant instrument, positioned in the middle of the console, with a fully digital display to the right and the LEDs on the left.
Engine & Gearbox
The Pulsar 220F is equipped with a meaty 220c, 4-stroke, air/oil-cooled DTSi engine. The engine offers a maximum power of 20.8 BHP at 8500 rpm, and a maximum torque of 19.12 NM at 7000 rpm. Its patented TRICS 3 technology and smart CDI system improve the bike’s ignition timing and provide a smoother delivery of power, as well as temperature-based ignition mapping, using the largest venturi carburettor yet seen on a bike for the Indian market.
Acceleration & Top Speed
The bike’s acceleration is generally very good, shooting from 0 to 60 kmph in a blistering 4.1 seconds, and 0 to 100 in 9.5 seconds – these are great numbers. The bike is fitted with Bajaj’s patented ExhausTEC( Torque Expansion Chamber) system, which gives the vehicle a higher rate of pickup at lower rpms, reducing the need to shift gears frequently to maintain acceleration. The smart tech also provides better engine torque at lower rpms, and the result is plenty of latent engine power, no matter what stage of riding you are at. The bike’s pull is effortless, regardless of the load conditions heaped upon it. Built to be one of Bajaj’s fastest bikes, it offers a top speed of 144 kmph.
